Lions call up Jamie Osborne as cover after Blair Kinghorn injury

The British and Irish Lions have called up versatile Ireland back Jamie Osborne as cover for Blair Kinghorn - though the Scot could yet recover from a knee injury in time to feature in the three Tests against the Wallabies.

Kinghorn suffered a bang to his leg during the win over the Brumbies in Canberra and underwent a scan in Adelaide on Thursday amid fears that his tour may be over.

The 28-year-old, who joined up with the touring party late after helping Toulouse to Top 14 triumph, has received positive news, however, and will remain with the squad while his return to training is managed over the coming days. He is surely, however, a doubt for the first Test next week, with Hugo Keenan now in pole position to start at 15.

Having already lost Elliot Daly to a fractured forearm earlier in the tour, head coach Andy Farrell has given himself extra cover at centre and full-back by calling up Osborne, who can play at either position.

The 23-year-old made his Ireland debut last year and was part of the Leinster side that secured the United Rugby Championship title last month, featuring off the bench in the final against the Bulls.

Osborne started Ireland’s Test against Georgia in the No 13 shirt last week, and departs Irish camp ahead of their encounter with Portugal on Saturday. He will provide additional training cover ahead of the first Lions Test against Australia in Brisbane next week.

Daly was replaced in the squad by Owen Farrell, who makes his first appearance of the tour against the AUNZ Invitational XV this weekend.